1. The Ins and Outs of Interviewing
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2. Interviewing-What is it?
- A structured meeting between you and an employer
Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike
PRACTICE makes PERFECT
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3. Interviewing is a two-way street
Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture
You decide if the environment is right for you.
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4. Saint Louis University Career Services
Types of Interviews
Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to narrow the pool of applicants
One-on-One: most common interview style and incorporates you with the potential employer
Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at once
Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting
Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration
Always ask what the venue will be for your interview
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5. Pre-Interview Preparation
Research position, company, & industry
Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goals
Prepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints)
Ask for directions and where to park
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6. Saint Louis University Career Services
Arriving
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination (you may want to conduct a dry run prior to your interview day)
Try to arrive minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself
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7. Greeting & Introduction
Only 1 chance to make a good 1st impression
Dress appropriately
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Firm handshake
Remain poised and confident
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8. Body Language: What signals are you sending?
Positive Signals
Leaning forward = interest
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive and alert
Eye contact = curious and focused
Negative Signals
Crossed arms = defensive
Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored
Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy
Leaning back= discomfort
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9. Types of Interview Questions
Standard or traditional-
targeting your education, work experiences, and career goals
Sample Questions
Tell me about yourself?
What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Why did you choose to interview with us?
What did you like most about your last job? Least?
What are your short and long term career goals?
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10. Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
-These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.
Past behavior provides clues to future behavior
Sample Questions
Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision?
Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?
What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?
Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?
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11. Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or unethical questions
- Questions which probe into your private life or personal background
- Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status
Sample Questions
How old are you?
Do you have children?
Do you have a disability?
What religion do you practice?
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12. Types of Interview Questions
Questions asked by the interviewee
To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer
Sample Questions
What type of assignments can I expect within the first year?
What do you like most about this company?
What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?
What skills are you looking for in this position?
What is the next course of action?
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13. General Interview Strategies
-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process
SOAR- (Situation, Obstacle, Action, & Result)
STAR- (Situation, Task, Action, & Result)
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14. General Interview Strategies
Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you
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15. General Interview Strategies
Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself
Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!
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16. Dressing for Success-Men
Suit-Single or double breasted
Polished shoes
Solid white shirt
Conservative tie
Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache
Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing
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17. Dressing for Success-Women
Pant or skirt suit
Pumps with small to medium heels
Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry
Wear neutral color hosiery
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18. Saint Louis University Career Services
FOLLOW-UP
Ask good questions
Thank the interviewer
Request a business card
Inquire about next steps in the process
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19. Saint Louis University Career Services
FOLLOW-UP CONT
Send a thank you note within 24 hours
Letter may be handwritten or typed; is also acceptable
Tailor each one to the individual.
Less than 10% of job seekers carry this out
Send to all who interviewed you
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20. Saint Louis University Career Services
Final Thoughts
Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control
Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to
improve?
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21. Saint Louis University Career Services
Suggestions
Conduct a test run the day before the interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!
•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers
• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career Services
Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
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